It doesn't take a Mozart to enjoy music or to become a professional musician. At least that's what Oliver Sohngen, the founder and director of the LIC Academy of Music (LICAM), believes.

Originally from Southern Germany, Sohngen dabbled with bass and guitar in various rock bands throughout high school until he had his first professional music lesson at 19.

Growing up in a house, as Sohngen put it, “without music” cultivated the artist's curiosity to explore other types of lyrical art, including opera and different instruments.

After making a career switch, Sohngen gave up on his decision to become a teacher in Germany and went to the U.S. on scholarship to study at the Cleveland Institute of Music in 1990, where he received a bachelor's degree in opera singing.

The Long Island City Academy of Music, located at 44-02 23rd St., opened in 2010.

Despite your age, Sohngen stressed that it wasn't about the time in your life that mattered when you picked up an instrument.

“What matters is that you learn it properly,” Sohngen said. “If you don't learn it properly with the proper teachers, you will discontinue it in a short amount of time because it's not enjoyable.”

(Kathleen Lees )

To find out more about the LIC Academy of Music, visit www.licmusicacademy.com.